I am very new to wines and have never had red wines. A co-worker told me that robert mondavi merlot is the best introduction to red wines. I don't know him too well and so wanted a second opinion. Can anyone back this or is there a better bottle to introduce me to reds? Also, I am trying to keep this fairly cheap as I am just now getting into wines. Thanks for the input.

It's hard to recommend a wine to you with out knowing your specific likes, i.e. sweet, dry, fruty.

That being said I found that the Spanish Tempranllo and Grenach based wines are very good for some one just starting out. There are some real good ones around $10.00 or less. Check out Total Wines in your area. www.totalwine.com

Welcome to the Wine Board, liabi. Robert Mondavi makes many, many versions of Merlots under many different labels. Two of his labels that would be good introductions to that grape are Woodbridge and Papeo. We sell both in the 1.5 l bottles at $9.99 for the Woodbridge and $8.99 for the Papeo.

Ecco Domani Merlot in my opinion is the best Merlot wine that I've tasted and is my favorite wine thus far. It is what turned me on to wine: Got it at the Olive Garden for a ridiculous $20+/bottle, but only $8+ at the local grocery store. Ecco Domani is an Italian outfit that produces very good wine. The Merlot is aged in stainless steel barrels instead of oak barrels so, it doesn't have all the tannins and isn't bitter. It's slightly fruity, med body, and smooth all around. I haven't seen anybody mention this wine on this board so I have to let people know. Try it. You'll like it. I've had Robert Mondavi's Merlot (Private Reserve) in several vintages but, Ecco Domani wins hands down. Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert (I'm relatively new, though a fast learner) but, I know more about Merlots than any other wine at this point and I know what my taste buds like as well.....LOL.

You are not entirely correct in describing Ecco Domani as "an Italian outfit." Ecco Domani is a Gallo Brothers outfit of wines made in Italy. If you like their merlot, enjoy it. That is the first rule. You might give some of the other wines recommended on this thread a shot too.

Quote:Originally posted by Kcwhippet:Welcome to the Wine Board, liabi. Robert Mondavi makes many, many versions of Merlots under many different labels. Two of his labels that would be good introductions to that grape are Woodbridge and Papeo. We sell both in the 1.5 l bottles at $9.99 for the Woodbridge and $8.99 for the Papeo.

Well, you got me there, BillyG. Sorry for the serious gaffe. Wasn't in the shop when I posted, so I guess I just mispelled one of the 1100+ wine facings there. I'll be sure to double check my spelling next time. BTW, read any of WW's posts?

Hi BillyG. You have to give us old codgers some leeway in our spelling because of our inherently bad tipin' skillz. Believe me, KC is VERY knowledgeable and, like me, could have had a "Senior Moment". Wish I had a nickle for ebbery spelling error I've made on this board. I culd buy a new Mercadez. WW